Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by infections with bacteria, viruses or fungi. Although pneumonia itself is not contagious, the microorganisms that cause this disease can be transmitted from one person to another, facilitating the onset of the disease in people with a weakened immune system, such as the elderly, children or immunocompromised people, for example.
Therefore, it is important to adopt strategies that reduce the chances of contracting pneumonia, such as washing your hands well, getting vaccinated against the flu annually and controlling allergic rhinitis attacks, for example.
How to stick
Pneumonia can be transmitted through contact with viruses, fungi or bacteria that cause pneumonia, present in contaminated air, soil, bird feces or through inhalation of droplets of saliva or nasal secretions released when the infected person coughs or sneezes. Check out the main microorganisms that cause pneumonia.
In addition, you can also get pneumonia through aspiration or inhalation of food, drinks or vomit, or through the use of mechanical ventilation in hospitals.
See the video below for more details on how pneumonia can be transmitted:
How to avoid getting pneumonia
Pneumonia prevention is achieved through the adoption of measures that contribute to strengthening the immune system, preventing not only this, but also other diseases caused by microorganisms that can be easily transmitted from one person to another. Thus, the main tips to avoid pneumonia are:
1. Maintain hydration and a balanced diet
It is important to maintain a balanced diet and drink around 2 liters of water per day, to maintain an active immunity capable of combating causative agents, such as viruses and bacteria, before the infection reaches the lungs. Furthermore, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, as alcohol consumption can interfere with immunity and facilitate the aspiration of secretions and vomiting, favoring the occurrence of pneumonia.
2. Avoid using cigarettes
The habit of smoking causes inflammation in the tissues of the airways, which facilitates the proliferation of microorganisms, in addition to reducing the lung’s ability to promote the expulsion of microorganisms.
3. Control allergic rhinitis attacks
By avoiding situations that trigger allergies, such as dust, animal hair, pollen or dust mites, for example, the likelihood of contracting pneumonia is reduced, as the inflammation caused by allergies can act as a gateway for viruses, bacteria and fungi.
4. Keep the air conditioning clean
Keeping the air conditioning clean and in suitable conditions for use helps prevent agents that cause allergies from spreading.
5. Humidify an ar
Humidifying the air using a humidifier or placing a bowl of water in the rooms at night, especially in winter, when the air becomes drier and the amount of pollution increases, is a good way to prevent particles from becoming suspended in the air and cause irritation of the airways.
6. Keep your hands clean
Frequently washing your hands with soap or cleaning them with alcohol gel, whenever you are in public environments, such as shopping malls, buses or subways, helps prevent the transmission of microorganisms, responsible for causing respiratory infections.
7. Avoid closed and crowded places
Closed and crowded places should be avoided, especially during times of infection epidemics, as this facilitates the transmission of diseases. See what the most common winter illnesses are and how to avoid them.
8. Get vaccinated against the flu annually
It is important to get vaccinated for the flu, as the vaccines are prepared to protect against the most dangerous flu viruses that circulate in the environment throughout the year, being essential for risk groups, such as children up to 5 years old, the elderly and those with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease.
Furthermore, people who have chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory diseases or liver diseases, for example, must always keep them well treated and controlled, with the correct use of medicines and medical monitoring, as the decompensation of these diseases compromises immunity and facilitates lung infection.
How to prevent childhood pneumonia
Babies and children up to about 2 years old are already predisposed to infections due to their still developing immune system. Therefore, it is important not to expose the child to contact with people with respiratory infections, such as the flu and colds, in addition to avoiding frequenting very crowded environments or environments with excess pollution and cigarette smoke, especially during periods of infection epidemics.
The diet must also be well balanced, preferably with exclusive breastfeeding until around 6 months, so that the child’s defenses are well developed, and start introducing new foods as advised by the pediatrician. Check what is the appropriate diet and what is the ideal eating routine for your baby.
In addition, children should also be vaccinated annually for the flu, especially those with a history of repeated infections or who have lung problems such as bronchitis and asthma.
Is pneumonia serious?
Most of the time, pneumonia is not serious, and can be treated at home according to its cause, generally with antibiotic pills, and some care such as rest and hydration, guided by the doctor. Check out some more guidelines for treating pneumonia.
However, in some cases, pneumonia can progress seriously, causing signs such as difficulty breathing, mental confusion and changes in the functioning of other organs. In these cases, hospitalization, use of intravenous medication and even the use of oxygen to aid breathing are necessary.
Some factors that determine the severity of pneumonia are:
- Type of microorganismwhich can be more aggressive, such as bacteria of the Klebsiella pneumoniae e Pseudomonas aeruginosafor example, which are very dangerous because they have a great capacity for infection and are resistant to many antibiotics;
- Person’s immunitywhich is important to create barriers and prevent lung infections, being impaired in the elderly, babies and people with autoimmune diseases, AIDS, cancer or decompensated diabetes, for example;
- Treatment start timeas rapid detection and early treatment prevents the infection from worsening and becoming more difficult to treat.
Therefore, in the presence of signs and symptoms that indicate pneumonia, it is important to undergo a medical evaluation for a quick diagnosis and initiation of treatment as soon as possible.
